Random Jmp-Jms Test

Summary

This document is a diagnostic manual for the "Random JMP-JMS Test," a software program designed to test the JMS (Jump to Subroutine) instruction on the PDP-8E computer. The test functions by randomly selecting "From" and "To" memory addresses, performing a JMS instruction, and verifying that the operation executes correctly through an interrupt sequence.

Key aspects of the document include:

• Requirements: The program requires a PDP-8E with a teletype, and it assumes the successful operation of previous diagnostic programs (MAINDEC-08-D0A and MAINDEC-08-D0B).
• Operation: The user can set specific memory addresses for testing using the computer's switch register (SR), or allow the program to use its internal random number generator.
• Error Handling: The program provides specific printout formats to help technicians debug failures. If an error occurs, the program can be placed into a "Scope Mode" loop, which repeatedly executes the problematic instruction to facilitate oscilloscope analysis.
• Program Logic: The document includes the assembly source code for the test, which runs at a rate of 4,726 tests per second, confirming the integrity of the hardware's interrupt and jump-to-subroutine logic.